

The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig
Tim Ferriss is a self-experimenter and bestselling author, best known for The 4-Hour Workweek, which has been translated into 40+ languages. Newsweek calls him "the world's best human guinea pig," and The New York Times calls him "a cross between Jack Welch and a Buddhist monk." In this show, he deconstructs world-class performers from eclectic areas (investing, chess, pro sports, etc.), digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and tricks that listeners can use.
Episodes
Mentioned books

15 snips
Sep 3, 2020 • 1h 39min
#458: The Psychedelic News Hour: New Breakthroughs, Compound Comparisons and Warnings (Psilocybin/LSD/Ayahuasca/N,N-DMT/5-MeO-DMT), Treatment of Trauma, Scalable vs. Unscalable Approaches, Making Sense of “Bad” Trips, and Much More
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. David Rabin, a board-certified psychiatrist and co-founder of Apollo Neuroscience, and Dr. Molly Maloof, a physician and Stanford lecturer, dive into the world of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. They explore breakthroughs in treating trauma, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment. The duo highlights the role of diverse funding in advancing research and the ethical implications within the psychedelic community. They also address coping strategies for challenging trips and the integration of technology in mental health care.

56 snips
Sep 2, 2020 • 1h 26min
#457: Chuck Palahniuk, Author of Fight Club — A Masterclass in Creative Living and Dangerous Writing
Chuck Palahniuk, bestselling author of "Fight Club" and "Choke," dives into the provocative world of storytelling. He reveals how humor and heartbreak weave together in his writing process. Palahniuk discusses the powerful impact of controversial narratives, sharing how his infamous story "Guts" challenged societal norms. He explores the role of archetypes, particularly the trickster, in creativity and the societal change driven by compelling narratives. Reflecting on his journey with "Fight Club," he highlights the emotional complexities that shape a writer's craft.

9 snips
Aug 27, 2020 • 1h
#456: The Power of Myth — The Hero’s Adventure with Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers
Joseph Campbell, a distinguished mythologist whose ideas shaped the storytelling in Star Wars, joins renowned journalist Bill Moyers, who famously interviewed him on PBS. They delve into the universal theme of the hero's journey, exploring how myths reflect human experience and transformation. Campbell articulates the significance of confronting personal darkness and embracing change through storytelling. The conversation also touches on societal pressures versus living authentically, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the collective human quest for meaning.

12 snips
Aug 26, 2020 • 1h 33min
#455: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks on Powerful Books, Mystics, Richard Dawkins, and the Dangers of Safe Spaces
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, an esteemed moral philosopher and former chief rabbi of the UK, shares profound insights on faith and morality in today's world. He discusses the symbolism of his iconic yellow tie and its role in fostering connections. Sacks navigates the tension between individualism and altruism, emphasizing community strength. He also reflects on the importance of collective action during crises, illustrating the need for cooperation over isolation. This engaging conversation encourages listeners to embrace gratitude and the power of community.

Aug 21, 2020 • 21min
#454: Books I've Loved — Whitney Cummings
Whitney Cummings, a talented comedian and writer, shares her favorite transformative books that have shaped her perspectives. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, inspired by 'The Gift of Fear' by Gavin DeBecker, which highlights trusting instincts in tough situations. Cummings also delves into overcoming the fear of public speaking, linking it to better communication skills for personal and professional growth. Her insights reveal how literature can profoundly influence our understanding of relationships and self-development.

Aug 20, 2020 • 2h 8min
#453: The Random Show — Zen, Investing, Mike Tyson, Artificial Intelligence, and the World's Best Beers
Kevin Rose, a renowned technologist and entrepreneur, joins in for a lively chat filled with intriguing topics. The duo dives into the quirks of aging and physical fitness, sharing laughs about Mike Tyson's boxing exploits. They address the complexities of investing in a post-pandemic world, touching on universal basic income and the threat of AI to job security. Their culinary conversation highlights the art of smoking meats and exploring craft beers, all while weaving in reflections on personal growth, anxiety management, and the joy of unique experiences.

Aug 12, 2020 • 1h 35min
#452: Sia — The Alchemy of Blockbuster Songs, Billions of Views, and the Face You’ve Never Seen
Sia, the iconic Australian singer and songwriter known for her unique style and collaborations, shares insights on her creative process. She discusses her prolific songwriting, stating that she values productivity over innate talent. The conversation touches on her mental health journey and the intricate connection between personal struggles and creativity. Sia also reflects on fame, authenticity, and the transformative power of music, making for a deep and engaging exploration of life as a pop icon.

Aug 5, 2020 • 1h 30min
#451: Mike Novogratz on Investing, Bitcoin, Ayahuasca, and Running Through The Sahara Desert
In this engaging conversation, Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital and ex-Goldman Sachs partner, shares his insights on cryptocurrency and the future of Bitcoin. He delves into the impact of intuition in investing, emphasizing its growth alongside structured strategies. Novogratz recounts transformative experiences, from ayahuasca ceremonies promoting self-acceptance to navigating pressures of perfectionism. He also reflects on his philanthropic efforts in criminal justice reform, blending personal growth with social responsibility.

17 snips
Jul 31, 2020 • 25min
#450: Books I've Loved — Neil Strauss
Neil Strauss, a ten-time New York Times best-selling author and acclaimed writer, shares his favorite transformative reads. He discusses how books can challenge fears and facilitate personal growth, emphasizing narratives that promote self-discovery. Strauss also delves into confronting fears that hinder spiritual growth, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s ego. The conversation touches on personal responsibility in relationships, drawing on the complexities of love addiction and emotional enmeshment, offering insightful literature to guide listeners toward healthier connections.

12 snips
Jul 29, 2020 • 1h 59min
#449: Grandmaster Maurice Ashley — The Path and Strategies of World-Class Mastery
Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, the first African-American chess Grandmaster, shares his inspiring journey from Jamaica to the chess elite. He discusses the transformative power of chess in personal and professional growth, and the importance of mentorship. Maurice dives into the demands of mental and physical stamina in high-level chess and draws intriguing parallels between chess and Aikido. He also explores the legacy of Frederick Douglass, linking historical struggles to modern educational inequities and the efforts of nonprofits to foster change.